These 7 Apple Cider Cocktails Were Made for Cozy Nights In

A cup of hot apple cider is one of the coziest ways to say cheers to the holidays. So if you're looking to spend a night in from the winter weather or serve up some heartwarming libations at your next holiday gathering, look no further than apple cider cocktails so everyone can sip in the holiday spirit. Ready your home bar for New Year's Eve and future cold-weather evenings with the seasonal ingredients to stir up the following apple cider–infused concoctions. Ranging from smoky mezcal margaritas to sweet (and slightly healthful) ginger and vanilla drinks, these innovative twists on classic apple cider are surefire winners. Keep clicking for apple cider cocktails ready to impress at any holiday party—or cozy night by the fire. Bottoms up!

This apple cider–infused margarita calls for mezcal. "Its smoky flavors complement the apple cider so well and make for the best smoky margarita," exclaims Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan. "Slightly sweet, but with a hint of smokiness and a touch of cinnamon. It's literally the perfect seasonal cocktail."

"When the weather cools down, I want a drink that's going to warm me from within and keep me going no matter the temp, and, let's be honest, nothing helps more than a dash of good liquor," admits Aida of Salt & Wind who shares this seasonal recipe. "Nothing except a spiced and spiked apple cider with smoky flavor from lapsang souchong tea."

While the original recipe doesn't call for alcohol, you can add a splash to this creation for a mostly healthy concoction that's sure to please. Recipe creator Laura of The First Mess explains that the cider comes out slightly thick "in a delightful way." She says it's kind of creamy and milky "with all that vanilla bean and the pectin of the pears. I'm really into it, and I love how soothing it is in the evening."

"This drink is a mix up of tequila, a splash of lemon, apple cider, a teensy bit of maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, and sparkling hard cider," describes Tieghan of Half Baked Harvest. "Just a little sweet, with apple and cinnamon flavors throughout, and a good kick of sparkles from the hard cider."

"This isn't some appletini nonsense—this is a legit drink" assures Claire of The Kitchy Kitchen. "The spiciness of the Irish whiskey, the herbaceousness of the Benedictine, and the flavors of the applejack are the base of this delicious cocktail."

Salt & Wind shares this holiday-perfect recipe inspired by Saveur. "The holidays are just as much about relaxing as they are celebrating, so be sure to make time for downtime," it writes. "I'm talking fireside with your coziest blanket, great company, and an amazing cocktail." This pear-flavored concoction is the perfect fix.